PSD NEWS RELEASE: 32 new deputies join state sheriff division ranks

HONOLULU – Public Safety Department officials, family members and friends today gathered in Waipio to witness the graduation of the Law Enforcement Recruit Class 16-01 for Deputy Sheriffs at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. 32 new deputies were added to the Sheriff Division and will be assigned to positions across the state.

The new deputies were presented with graduation certificates, followed by the recitation of the Oath of Office and the badge presentation. A family member was picked to pin the badge on the new deputy sheriff.

“These men and women took an oath to serve and protect the people of Hawaii and that responsibility to the community and the Department begins today,” said State Sheriff Renee Sonobe Hong. “They have trained hard over the past 6 months and I believe they will carry out their law enforcement duties statewide with professionalism, integrity and fairness.”

The recruits were trained in nearly 1,000 hours of academic instruction in laws and procedures, constant testing, training in physical fitness, and police tactics.

Student awards for Top Gun, Physical Fitness, Leadership and Academic Average were also handed out to the recruits who ranked at the top of their class in those areas.

The new deputies will be sent out to work in various positions on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the big Island of Hawaii. 24 will be assigned to Oahu, one on Kauai, two on Maui and five to Kona on Hawaii Island.

The Sheriff Division carries out law enforcement services statewide. Its mission is to promote public safety by: protecting all persons and property within premises under the control of the Judiciary and all state facilities; providing process services and execution of court documents; handling detained persons; and providing secure transportation for persons in custody. It also provides law enforcement services at the Honolulu International Airport.